Renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, known for his iconic works such as the ‘Munnabhai’ series, ‘3 Idiots,’ and ‘PK,’ shares insights into his latest film, ‘Dunki,’ starring Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, and Boman Irani. The film, centered around the perilous ‘donkey route’ taken by migrants seeking a better life, diverges from Shah Rukh Khan’s recent action-packed blockbusters, ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan,’ by offering a gentler narrative.
In an exclusive Zoom interview, Hirani discusses the delicate balance between commercial success and artistic vision. Despite ‘Dunki’ raking in Rs 300 crore, a notable achievement though not on par with Khan’s previous blockbusters, Hirani emphasizes the need to prioritize storytelling over box office numbers.
The 61-year-old director, celebrated for his unique cinematic style blending human stories with humor and commercial appeal, remains unfazed by the pressure of audience expectations. Hirani confesses that what truly concerns him is the challenge of finding unique subjects in a cinematic landscape saturated with diverse influences.
‘Dunki’ delves into the overlooked theme of rural homes in Punjab adorned with concrete planes on their rooftops, symbolizing the status of those with family members living abroad. For Hirani, the film also embodies the emotional journey of returning home, a sentiment he deeply relates to as someone rooted in Nagpur.
The narrative takes a poignant look at the aspirations of people migrating through the ‘donkey route,’ touching upon the desire to return home eventually. Hirani’s research unveils the existence of English-speaking classes in Punjab, where individuals disguise themselves to learn the language, hoping to secure visas for better opportunities.
Collaborating with Shah Rukh Khan, a long-cherished dream for the director, materialized organically during the COVID-19 slowdown. Hirani praises Khan’s commitment to the challenging role of Hardy, who struggles with English fluency. The director commends Khan’s dedication, sharing behind-the-scenes videos of the actor’s rigorous rehearsals.
In conclusion, Rajkumar Hirani encourages filmmakers to focus on crafting meaningful stories without succumbing to the pressures of box office expectations. ‘Dunki’ stands as a testament to his commitment to storytelling, navigating unexplored narratives and bringing forth compelling human experiences.
